Salford Reds can reach a new high after landing Graham Lowe

Andy Gregory and Steve Hampson tip their former boss to bring best out of Reds.

Kiwi legend Graham Lowe has been tipped to play a key role in making Salford Reds a major force in Super League by two men who flourished under him when he coached them at Wigan.

Former Salford coach Andy Gregory and Steve Hampson, who also played for Reds, firmly believe Lowe’s appointment as director of rugby is a masterstroke on the part of owner Marwan Koukash.

Gregory had a public bust-up with Lowe at Wigan back in the glory days of the 1980s but made his peace and now speaks highly of the 66-year-old New Zealander.

Gregory told M.E.N. Sport: “Graham Lowe has a wealth of experience in rugby league and is a top man. I am made up to see him back with Salford because he has so much to offer this game. He will do a cracking job for the Reds.

“The good thing for Salford is the fact he knows exactly what is needed in the make-up of a player to meet the demands of the English game.

“He will help bring quality to the club and be very involved. We have always had a very strong mutual respect.

“When I look back to what happened between us at Wigan, I guess we were two very stubborn characters.

“Ellery Hanley also had a run-in with Graham and also refused to play at one stage.

“Maurice Lindsay, who was chairman at the time, simply brought us together and made us shake hands. I then returned on the bench at Doncaster but Graham soon brought me on!

“He is a strong person and is very much his own man. His record in rugby league speaks for itself. Salford have done well bringing him on board. I have always had a lot of time for Graham and everything he does, he gives 100 per cent.’’

Gregory’s glowing testimonial for Lowe is echoed by Hampson.

“Graham is one of the finest coaches I ever played under,’’ said Hampson. “His man-management was always top notch.

“He was definitely the man who got Wigan back on track and he will do a terrific job for Salford in his role as rugby director. Graham has the contacts and is widely respected.

“He would always tell you straight what he wanted and expected of you. In return, he would also listen to you and the players appreciated this.

Fingertips

“As a coach, he was very innovative. I would not term him a ranter and raver – he could lose his cool, but he always knew what he wanted and was in full control of the situation in hand.

“His appointment by Salford is a very wise move. He knows the game inside out, he is so experienced and he has the NRL at his fingertips.

“Graham knows a player – he will also realise who wants to come and play for Salford and who fancies Super League simply for an end-of-career pay-day. Graham had good ideas when he coached at Wigan – John Monie, who succeeded him as head coach, will probably admit to the fact it was Graham who put things in place for Wigan to take off. He had great ability as a coach.

“Coaching at international level and then in club rugby made no difference to Graham. He just got on with the job. He has also proved to be a first-class administrator and you only need to look at the clubs where he has been involved to realise he is a class act.

“I would love to see Salford become a major force.

“You cannot help but admire the drive and enthusiasm of the new owner Marwan Koukash. He was on the touchline at the last game urging his players on to a first win.

“The appointment of Graham could prove to be one of his best-ever signings. It is another clear statement of Salford’s bold intentions. They have to be commended for this.

“Knowing Graham as I do, he will do everything he can to play his part in any success coming Salford’s way.”

Meanwhile, Reds chief executive Ed Farish has confirmed that new Aussie signings Vic Mauro and Liam Foran will go straight into the team for tomorrow night’s home game with London. Reds are also waiting to hear back from Aussie star Luke O’Dwyer following their offer of a three-year contract to the Titans ace.

Salford’s chances of landing the highly-rated O’Dwyer are said to be 50/50 at this stage.

Warrington have recalled winger Rhys Williams from his loan spell at Salford after discovering that Joel Monaghan suffered an abdominal tear during their 24-10 win at Hull last Saturday.

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